I Want to Say a Few Words: How To Craft a Heartfelt Eulogy for a Loved One's Funeral. A Simple Step-by-Step Process, Packed with Eulogy Writing Ideas, Help & Advice from a Professional Eulogy Writer

By Peter Billingham

Are you worrying about how to find the words to honour your loved one's life? Would a gentle and straightforward step-by-step process of writing a few words help you through this difficult time? Does the idea of standing up and speaking about your loved one in front of others seem daunting?

If you answer yes, t

• Language: English
• Publisher: Peter Billingham
• Release date: Jul 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9781913911454

Peter Billingham

Peter Billingham is a highly recognised eulogy speechwriter. With over 700 eulogies to his name, his story-centred approach crafts memorable words that capture the essence of a loved one. Listening to hundreds of life stories, Peter understands at a deep level those moments that make our lives memorable.Peter has authored several books, including his latest work, Gathering Rosebuds in Kerala, A Memoir About Storing Life's Special Moments. This thought-provoking memoir explores a 60th birthday journey to South India, reflections on ageing, discovering life's meaning, and cherishing special moments forever. Readers can also benefit from a free accompanying workbook teaching them how to craft their life stories.Beyond his writing, Peter's passions are as diverse as they are engaging. His Golden Retriever is an ever-loyal shadow. Owning a dog has been part of life since he can't remember when.His passion for travel is unabated. The joy of packing a suitcase has seen him visit forty-one countries so far for pleasure and in working across the world for an international charity. Peter is an avid walker. He trekked the scenic Camino French Way, covering 780 km, alongside his best friend. Together, they journeyed from St. Jean-Pied-De-Port in France, across the Pyrenees, through the La Rioja wine region (home to his favourite wine), and along the rolling hills of northern Spain, culminating in Santiago de Compostela. Peter also completed the Camino Portugues Coastal route, a 280 km walk from Porto, this time accompanied by his children, creating lasting memories for them all.His interests also extend to music, where he's currently learning to play acoustic blues on a Gretsch Guitar. Sore fingers and frustrated picking, but he loves the challenge of learning new skills. His creativity spills over into his collaboration with his daughter, Laura Stroud, in developing Derbyshire Writing School. Their warm and engaging 'dad and daughter' podcast, called Begin, shares writing skills with listeners across the world. As a member of U3A, Peter plays lawn green bowls during the summer, enjoying the friendly competition and camaraderie it offers. Additionally, he's delving into the science of longevity, always eager to learn and apply knowledge to improve his work and personal life.Peter is a man who fills his life with varied experiences, each enriching his perspective and adding depth to his writings. He invites you to connect with him and learn more about his work at www.peterbillingham.com.

Book preview

I Want to Say a Few Words: How To Craft a Heartfelt Eulogy for a Loved One's Funeral

A Simple Step-by-Step Process, Packed with Eulogy Writing Ideas, Help & Advice from a Professional Eulogy Writer

Peter Billingham

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Randan Press

© 2023 Peter Billingham. All rights reserved.

Peter Billingham asserts the moral right identified as the author of this work under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988

Cover designed by GetCovers

ISBN – Paperback 978-1-913911-46-1

ISBN – eBook - 978-1-913911-45-4

ISBN – Audio Book – 978-1-913911-47-8

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent publisher.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.

Typeset in – EB Garamond – Formatted on Atticus

First edition independently published under the pen name – Randan Press 2023

For permission requests, visit the author’s website at www.peterbillingham.com. Or write to or www.memorablewords.co.uk.

Testimonials for Peter Billingham Eulogy Speechwriter and Celebrant.

‘The eulogy he wrote for our mom was just perfect in every way.’

From the very first telephone conversation with Pete, I can say he has a calming influence, which, in turn, made an extremely sad and upsetting experience a little easier to cope with. The eulogy he wrote for our mom was just perfect in every way. Can we express our gratitude to you Pete for the celebration of mom’s life, that touched everyone in a way that will, and has bought comfort to all…  Les Chance – Google 5-star Review

‘Peter wrote a beautiful, heartfelt, and sincere eulogy.’

Peter is kind, caring, and compassionate. From our first conversation, he put me at ease, making a very daunting and difficult time a lot easier. He spent a lot of time speaking and listening to me, getting to know about my mom and wrote a beautiful, heartfelt and sincere eulogy, adding his own personal touches that made it so special and unique… I would highly recommend him. Thank you so much Peter. Stephanie Marsh – Google 5-star Review

‘The words Peter had used truly reflected the man they knew and loved.’

I can’t thank Peter enough for the eulogy he composed for my dad. We shared stories and memories with Peter in the hope that he would in some way be able to understand the person dad was. Not only did we feel Peter understood him, but it felt as though he knew him well. We had guests request copies of the eulogy because they felt that the words Peter had used truly reflected the man they knew and loved. Rachel Clements – Google 5-star Review

‘I HIGHLY recommend Peter and his services…’

I am very happy that I found Peter and his services. I am ever happier with the final results that Peter delivered through his online memorial services. Peter put together the written and spoken package service for my best friend, one of the people that I care most about in this world. Peter is patient (SO patient), kind, caring, and really did a great deal of work into putting together something that really displayed the wonderful man that meant so much to me and so many others. I am grateful for the amazing service… His response time with communication was very quick despite our time difference since I am in the United States. I HIGHLY recommend Peter and his services… Peter, I appreciate everything you did for us. Your time, effort and care really shows in the final results. I can't thank you enough!

Chris Johnson – Google 5-star Review

'I would use 100% Peter’s services again - cannot recommend him highly enough.'

My experience of using Peter’s services was better than I thought. My father had passed away, and we were getting closer to his funeral. The problem was that I was struggling to put what was in my head onto paper, so after going on the internet, I came across Peter and used his fantastic eulogy services.

The whole process was very helpful. We used the service where you get a video chat that made it so much easier when my mother and I sat with Peter on a video call recalling stories. When we had a finished eulogy which lasted about 8 mins was better than I could have wished.

Also, Peter talks you through the best way to approach reading and talks in a calm manner, which helped me to deliver my dad’s eulogy. I would 100% use Peters services again cannot recommend him highly enough. Darren Evans – Google 5-star Review

‘Pete had the incredible ability to capture the essence of my late Dad’s real character…’

Pete had the incredible ability to capture the essence of my late Dad’s real character through carefully constructed questions and an informal. Friendly, face-to-face chat over a cup of tea. He delivered his carefully crafted eulogy with the warmth of a lifelong friend. We felt Pete knew and respected my Dad, without ever having met him. Absolutely the right person for such an important role. Thank you Pete! David Glasbey - Google 5-star Review

Read these and over 90 5 Star ***** reviews of Peter’s work as a professional eulogy speechwriter and celebrant via Google Reviews.

To the families who have entrusted me with the honour of writing a eulogy for their deeply loved ones, I extend my heartfelt thanks and gratitude. I deeply appreciate your confidence in my abilities as a speechwriter and celebrant.

To the hundreds of individuals whose lives I’ve had the privilege to illuminate and whose coffins I have stood beside, thank you. The honour of learning about you, crafting your eulogy, and sharing the unique stories of your lives is one I carry with great respect.

Thank you.

Contents

Foreword

1.Introduction

2.How This Toolkit Helps Craft Your Heartfelt Eulogy

3.What Is The Simple Four-Step Process?

STEP ONE: RESEARCH

4.Uncovering Memories: Research Begins by Asking Questions

5.Worksheet 1 - Basic Information

6.Discovering Character Traits and Personality Themes

7.Worksheet 2 - Discovering Personality Themes and Character Traits

8.What Four Key Questions Rekindle Emotional Memories?

9.Worksheet 3 - Four Key Questions

10.Imagining Their Perfect Day

11.Worksheet 4 – Perfect Day Planner

STEP TWO: DRAFT

12.From Memories to Manuscript: How to Start Drafting Your Eulogy

13.Why Use This Simple Eulogy Outline?

14.How Many Words Will You Need To Write?

15.Turning Your Memories into Mini-Stories

16.Worksheet 5 – Memory 1 – Key Theme A

17.Worksheet 6 – Memory 2 – Key Theme B

18.Worksheet 7 – Memory 3 – Key Theme C

19.How To Write The Conclusion

20.Worksheet 8 - Writing The Conclusion

21.How To Write The Introduction

22.Worksheet 9 - Writing The Introduction

STEP THREE: EDIT

23.How Does Editing Craft Your First Draft into a Heartfelt Eulogy?

24.Worksheet 10 – Bringing Your Words Together

STEP FOUR: REHEARSAL

25.Why Is Rehearsing Your Eulogy a Key Step in the Process?

26.How to Stand Strong When Saying Your Words

27.Closing Thoughts

Common Questions & Bonus Resources

28.Common Questions & Bonus Resources Contents

29.Bonus Worksheet 1 – The Lifeline Exercise

30.Bonus Worksheet 2 – Life Lessons and Legacy

31.Bonus Worksheet 3 – 10 Overriding Life Themes

32.Bonus Worksheet 4 – 36 Extra Memory Prompt Questions 

33.Bonus Worksheet 5 – 26 Quotations For Telling A Life Story

34.Bonus Worksheet 6 – Family & Friends Questionnaire

35.Bespoke Eulogy Writing Solutions

36.Acknowledgements

37.Disclaimer

38.About the author

Foreword

When I grow up, I want to be a firefighter!

Or perhaps, no, I’ll be a teacher, actor or engineer instead.

You don’t dream that one day you’ll grow up and write heartfelt words about people you’ve never met that have died.

But that's what happened. That is what I do.

I am a eulogy speechwriter and celebrant. It is a vocation that brings meaning and purpose to my life, by being able to voice the way someone deeply feels into words. All my life experiences in leading organisations, writing, and public speaking to date now help me help others.

On a frequent basis, I find myself invited into people’s homes and lives to help them during a time of deep sadness when someone they love has died.